Former top-10 pick named potential trade candidate for Knicks

The New York Knicks spent the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft on Obi Toppin in hopes he would become a franchise cornerstone. Unfortunately, the emergence of Julius Randle relegated Toppin to a reserve role throughout his first three seasons.

As he lacks a path to a starting position, the 25-year-old could be on the move this offseason, potentially as early as Thursday's NBA Draft.

According to Newsday's Steve Popper, many around the Association expect the Knicks to be active on the trade market this week. If the team decides to swing a deal to acquire a first-round pick, Toppin, who "was hoping for a trade at the deadline," would likely be involved.

"League sources indicated that Toppin was hoping for a trade at the deadline last season and now both sides are in alignment that it's time for a change of scenery for Toppin," Popper writes. 

Toppin, the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, averaged 7.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 67 appearances last season but  played only15.7 minutes per game. The dynamic athlete hasn't been able to showcase his talents to his fullest extent in HC Tom Thibodeau's system, playing mainly on the perimeter.

Toppin's frustrations about his role are justified, and with Randle signed for the long haul, it would be best for the Knicks to find him a new home. 

Per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, one executive set the Dayton product's price as a late first-round pick. Bondy notes that the Pacers, owners of the 26th and 29th picks in the draft, could be a potential trade partner, given their interest in Toppin at the trade deadline.

While a change of scenery feels inevitable for Toppin, the Knicks shouldn't be so eager to part with him for a late first-round pick. As a 25-year-old with solid per 36-minute metrics (17 points and 7.2 rebounds), Toppin would make for a valuable piece in a package for the star the Knicks are eyeing.

Perhaps that hypothetical package could be sent to the Chicago Bulls, an organization that Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reports are "contacting teams" about trading shooting guard Zach LaVine. NBC Sports Chicago's K.C. Johnson recently confirmed that the Bulls "would be focused on getting a good young player, multiple first-round picks and salary filler" for the two-time All-Star. 

Despite not measuring up to the hype of being a top-10 pick, Toppin is far from a draft bust. In his case, he landed in the wrong situation, but with the right environment, he has the potential to develop into a quality long-term starter.